Mystique Santorini

Class: Deluxe

Style: Modern design

Rooms: 18

It was a fair bet that Mystique, sister property to Vedema Resort Santorini and a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, would be stellar. With their popstar looks, general manager Antonis Eliopoulos and PR director Kalia Konstantinidou exude success. Mystique clings to a crater's edge above the Aegean, in the village of Oia. But while all the other hotels in the village are painted Cycladic white, Mystique's curvaceous walls stand out in comforting cream. The hotel is not newly built but a sensitive makeover of one that never made the charts. The bedrooms, carved into the cliff, all have caldera views and the decor complements the troglodytic look with island flair, Flintstones-style: coffee tables shaped like large pebbles on limestone floors; bedheads and lamps sculpted from driftwood; cushions embroidered with traditional floral designs. Two suites have treadmills but, with friendly staff, Jacuzzis and those views, you won't need to hyperventilate to reach nirvana. Anyway, all the steps up and down between the suites, the infinity-edged pool and the village obviate the need for a gym. There is a cave-cellar full of interesting wines, and the restaurant serves delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Source: Conde Nast Traveller The Hot List 2008.